Anna Kruke

Anna Bell Stricklin was born to Myrtle and George Stricklin on November 1, 1913, near Dallas, Texas. She lived in the area until leaving for Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. During a short trip to Chicago , she met husband-to-be Raymond. They made their home there and later Plainfield, Illinois, while he was working with the FAA at Midway Airport. Later moves included homes in Minneapolis, South Dakota and Iowa before retiring in Sun City in 1964. They were married for 65 years until he preceded her in death on November 9, 1996. Ann and Ray had two daughters, Mary Ann Kruke Shaw and Kathleen Kruke Welander, and 5 grandchildren, Eric, Kyle, and Abby Welander, and Stephen and Matthew Shaw. In addition, they had 4 great-grandchildren and several nieces and a nephew. Ann’s sister, Gussie Fay Schoenfeld, and brother, William Stricklin, preceded her in death. Ann began a career as an excellent seamstress and then moved on to teach with adult education. Her high standards and talents for tailoring and design were recognized by both her students and other instructors. She continued to study sewing at Texas Women’s University taking classes in the Bishop method of clothing construction. Ann and Ray were Past Matron and Patron of the Eastern Star. In Sun City she was active with the Gourmet , Sew & Sew, and Knitting clubs. She was also a member of the TriT organization and the United Church of Sun City. Throughout her life Ann volunteered for many causes including raising funds for a much-needed hospital in Philip, South Dakota. Every six weeks she donated blood for years. Even after moving to Freedom Plaza, she pushed wheel chairs and knitted bandages for others. In later years, Ann enjoyed living independently in an apartment in Freedom Plaza in Peoria, AZ, where again she became involved in many activities including bridge, cribbage, water aerobics and happy hour. While her mind continued to be sharp, her eyes and ears began to fail her and eventually she moved to Assisted Living. Although at the age of 104, she finally required the assistance of caregivers, she retained her grace and dignity. Ann was a proud woman, a good wife and mother. She lived a long and remarkable life. A brief ceremony with family and friends was held at Sunland Memorial Park where she is now at rest next to her beloved Raymond. The family is grateful to Freedom Plaza and all of her friends, caregivers and Hospice for providing the love and care that she deserved. Donations in her honor may be made to the United Church of Sun City, 11250 N. 107th Avenue, #105, Sun City, AZ 85351